U.S. patent application number 14/071818 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-27 for visibility for fishing floats.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gary Bennis. Invention is credited to Gary Bennis.
Application Number | 20140053450 14/071818 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46925381 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140053450 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bennis; Gary |
February 27, 2014 |
Visibility for Fishing Floats
Abstract
The invention relates to a line of floats which allow for
greater visibility during both day and night fishing. The greater
visibility is created by a combination of one of more marker
devices, including light sticks, flags, viz sticks, reflective
surface, and/or use of chemiluminescent and phosphorescent
materials. These objects and materials are used on a variety of
floats, especially large floats such as jug floats and a new type
of float termed a noodle float. These large floats are especially
useful for catching large catfish and can be used in any body of
water where fish are found, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and the
sea.
Inventors: |
Bennis; Gary; (Eau Claire,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bennis; Gary |
Eau Claire |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46925381 |
Appl. No.: |
14/071818 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13076132 |
Mar 30, 2011 |
8572886 |
|
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14071818 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
43/17 ;
43/17.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 93/00 20130101;
A01K 93/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/17 ;
43/17.5 |
International
Class: |
A01K 93/02 20060101
A01K093/02 |
Claims
1. A fishing float, comprising: a. a tube section having an upper
end, a lower end, an outer surface, and a channel extending
longitudinally through at least a portion of the length of the tube
section, wherein the tube section is substantially cylindrical in
shape; b. a top section having an inner surface and an outer
surface, the top section being configured to fit around the upper
end of the tube section such that the inner surface of the top
section overlies at least a portion of the outer surface of the
tube section, wherein the top section comprises one or more holding
members, each holding member having an opening to a channel
configured to receive a tubular shaped marker device, each holding
member extending along the outer surface of the top section, each
channel in the holding member having an inner surface; c.
optionally, one or more marker devices positioned within the one or
more holding members such that a portion of an outer surface of the
one or more marker devices is positioned within the channel in the
holding member; and d. a handle being made of a rigid material and
having a grasping portion, a rod portion, and a baiting portion,
the rod portion extending through the channel of the tube section
with the grasping portion protruding through the upper end of the
tube section and the baiting portion protruding through the lower
end of the tube section.
2. The fishing float of claim 1, wherein both the grasping portion
and baiting portion are configured to limit movement of the handle
into and through the channel.
3. The fishing float of claim 1, wherein the grasping portion is
free of any marker device.
4. The fishing float of claim 1, wherein three holding members are
positioned along the outer surface of the top section such that
each holding member is separated by 120.degree..
5. The fishing float of claim 1, wherein the one or more channels
are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fishing float
or oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the fishing
float.
6. The fishing float of claim 1, wherein the top section overlies
the upper end of the tube section such that the upper end of the
tube section is substantially covered.
7. The fishing float of claim 6, further comprising a slit on an
upper surface of the top section through which the handle
extends.
8. The fishing float of claim 1, wherein the tube section is made
of one or more of a foam material and/or a hollow plastic tube.
9. The fishing float of claim 1, wherein the one or more marker
devices are comprised of one or more of light sticks, flags, viz
sticks, reflective surfaces, and/or chemiluminescent and
phosphorescent materials.
10. The fishing float of claim 1, wherein the tube section has a
length of from about 12 inches to about 24 inches and a diameter of
from about 1 inch to about 5 inches.
11. A substantially hollow fishing float comprising a top end, a
middle section and a bottom end, wherein: a. the top end has an
upper outer surface and a lower circumferential edge; b. the middle
section having an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper
circumferential edge and a lower circumferential edge, wherein the
upper circumferential edge of the middle section is integrally
connected to the lower circumferential edge of the top section; c.
the bottom end positioned at an end opposite to the top end, the
bottom end having a removable closure; and d. a circular band
having an inner surface and an outer surface, configured such that
the inner surface overlies at least a portion of the outer surface
of the middle section or the lower circumferential edge of the top
end, wherein the circular band comprises one or more holding
members, each holding member having an opening to a channel
configured to receive a tubular shaped marker device, each holding
member extending along the outer surface of the circular band, the
one or more channels having an inner surface.
12. The fishing float of claim 11, wherein the fishing float
further comprises a handle extending from the upper outer surface
of the top end.
13. The fishing float of claim 11, wherein the fishing float
further comprises a neck having a substantially tapered outer
surface with an upper circumferential edge and a lower
circumferential edge, the upper circumferential edge being larger
in circumference than the lower circumferential edge, wherein the
upper circumferential edge of the neck is connected to the lower
circumferential edge of the middle section and the lower
circumferential edge being connected to the bottom end, further
comprising an opening extending from the neck and/or bottom end and
configured for receiving a fishing line.
14. The fishing float of claim 11, wherein the middle section is
generally cylindrical in shape.
15. The fishing float of claim 11, wherein the fishing float
further comprises a mounting device having a channel to retain a
marker or lighting device.
16. The fishing float of claim 11, further comprising one or more
marker devices positioned within the one or more holding members
such that a portion of an outer surface of the one or more marker
devices is positioned within the channel
17. The fishing float of claim 16, wherein the one or more marker
devices comprise an illuminating device.
18. The fishing float of claim 12, wherein the handle is free of
any marker device.
19. The fishing float of claim 11, wherein three holding members
are positioned along the outer surface of the circular band such
that each holding member is separated by 120.degree..
20. The fishing float of claim 11, wherein the one or more channels
are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fishing float
or oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the fishing
float.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/076,132 filed on Mar. 30, 2011, the contents of which are
incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The field of the invention generally relates to articles to
increase the visibility of fishing floats in both day and night
fishing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Anglers will often fish at night with floats that are
visible based on the attachment of a chemical or battery powered
light stick. These floats are visible based on the light emitted by
the light sticks but their visibility will diminish over time as
the chemical ingredients are used up or the battery strength is
reduced. During the day, the light sticks will have little ability
to impart visibility to the float.
[0004] Amongst the floats anglers use when fishing for catfish are
large jug floats, which are shaped much like their name suggests.
The float is jug shaped with the jug oriented downward and a handle
positioned on the flat upper surface. The fishing line passes
through the bottom portion and may extend to a fishing rod/reel or
may extend only from the jug to a hook. Anglers will bait the hook
with the free end of the line attached to the jug. The jug is
placed in the water in the evening when fish are feeding and either
tracked during the night or retrieved in the morning. There is a
need to improve the visibility of the float during both the day and
the night.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one general aspect, a substantially hollow fishing float
is provided in the shape of a jug. The fishing float has a top end
having an upper outer surface and a lower circumferential edge; a
handle integrally connected to the upper outer surface of the top
end; a middle section; a neck; and a bottom end.
[0006] The middle section is generally cylindrical in shape and has
an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper circumferential edge
and a lower circumferential edge. The upper circumferential edge of
the middle section is integrally connected to the lower
circumferential edge of the top section.
[0007] The neck has a substantially tapered outer surface with an
upper circumferential edge and a lower circumferential edge, the
upper circumferential edge being larger in circumference than the
lower circumferential edge. The upper circumferential edge of the
neck is integrally connected to the lower circumferential edge of
the middle section. The bottom end has an upper circumferential
edge which is integrally connected to the lower circumferential
edge of the neck. The bottom end has a removable closure.
[0008] A circular band overlies the outer surface of the middle
section. The circular band has an inner surface and an outer
surface and is configured such that the inner surface overlies the
outer surface of the middle section. The circular band has one or
more holding members with each holding member having an opening to
a channel configured to receive a tubular shaped marker device.
Each holding member extends along the outer surface of the circular
band with the one or more channels having an inner surface.
[0009] The float has an opening extending from the neck and/or
bottom end that is configured for receiving a fishing line. One or
more marker devices are positioned within the one or more holding
members such that a portion of an outer surface of the one or more
marker devices is positioned within the channel.
[0010] Embodiments of the jug shaped fishing float may include one
or more of the following features. For example, the opening for
receiving the fishing line may include an opening through a
generally flat member extending outwardly from the neck or bottom
end. The opening for receiving the fishing line may include a tube
having a longitudinal channel through the tube and being mounted to
the outer surface of the neck and/or bottom end. The opening for
receiving the fishing line may be a tubular member having two ends,
wherein each end is integrally connected to the outer surface of
the neck and/or bottom end.
[0011] The handle may be free of any marker device.
[0012] The fishing float may include three holding members
positioned along the outer surface of the circular band such that
each holding member is separated by approximately 120.degree..
[0013] The one or more channels may be oriented parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the fishing float. The one or more channels
may be oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the fishing
float.
[0014] The height of the fishing float may be from about 7 inches
to about 11 inches as measured from a bottom surface of the bottom
end to the upper surface of the handle and the diameter of the top
end, middle section, and upper circumferential edge of the neck may
be from about 3 inches to about 6 inches, and the diameter of the
lower circumferential edge of the neck and the bottom end may be
from about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches.
[0015] In another general aspect there is provided a fishing float
in the shape of a tubular noodle. The fishing float includes a tube
section having an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface, and a
channel extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the
length of the tube section. The tube section is substantially
cylindrical in shape. The fishing float also includes a top section
having an inner surface and an outer surface, the top section being
configured to fit around the circumferential surface of the tube
section such that the inner surface of the top section overlies the
outer surface of the tube section. The top section includes one or
more holding members, each holding member having an opening to a
channel configured to receive a tubular shaped marker device. Each
holding member extends along the outer surface of the top section.
The one or more channels each have an inner surface.
[0016] The fishing float may optionally include one or more marker
devices positioned within the one or more members such that a
portion of an outer surface of the one or more marker devices is
positioned within the channel
[0017] The fishing float also includes a handle made of a rigid
material and having a grasping portion, a rod portion, and a
baiting portion, the rod portion extending through the channel of
the tube section with the grasping portion protruding through the
upper end of the tube section and the baiting portion protruding
through the lower end of the tube section. Both the grasping
portion and baiting portion are configured to limit movement of the
handle into and through the channel.
[0018] Embodiments of the tubular shaped fishing float may include
one or more of the following features. For example, the grasping
portion may be free of any marker device. The fishing float may
have three holding members positioned along the outer surface of
the top section such that each holding member is separated by
120.degree..
[0019] The one or more channels in the holding member may be
oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fishing float.
The one or more channels in the holding members may be oriented at
an angle to the longitudinal axis of the fishing float.
[0020] The top section of the fishing float may overlie the upper
end of the tube section such that the upper end of the tube section
is substantially covered. The top surface of the top section may
include a slit through which the grasping portion protrudes.
[0021] The tube section may be made of one or more of a foam
material and/or a hollow plastic tube.
[0022] The one or more marker devices may be one or more of light
sticks, flags, viz sticks, reflective surfaces, and/or
chemiluminescent and phosphorescent materials. The one or more
marker devices may be a flag and a light stick mounted to the top
thereof.
[0023] The tube section may have a length of from about 12 inches
to about 24 inches and a diameter of from about 1 inch to about 5
inches.
[0024] The details of various embodiments of the invention are set
forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the
description, the drawings, and the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a jug float having light
sticks.
[0026] FIG. 1B is a front view of the jug float illustrated in FIG.
1A.
[0027] FIGS. 1C and 1D are a side view and a cross-section side
view of the jug float illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0028] FIG. 1E is an illustration of the use of the jug floats of
FIG. 1A used in fishing.
[0029] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a noodle float having light
sticks mounted to the float.
[0030] FIG. 2B is a front view of the float of FIG. 2A.
[0031] FIGS. 2C and 2D side and cross-sectional side views of the
float of FIG. 2A.
[0032] FIG. 2E is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the
float of FIG. 2A taken at section line "E-E" of FIG. 2D.
[0033] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are perspective, front and
cross-sectional views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a
noodle float.
[0034] FIG. 4A and 4B are front and cross-sectional side view of a
third embodiment of a noodle float.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a view depicting the use of the noodle floats of
FIGS. 2A-E and 3A-C. FIGS. 6A and 6B are front views of jug and
noodle floats having a flag mounted to the respective float.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The inventor has developed a line of floats which allow for
greater visibility during both day and night fishing. The greater
visibility is created by a combination of one of more marker
devices, including light sticks, flags, viz sticks, reflective
surface, and/or use of chemiluminescent and phosphorescent
materials. These objects and materials are used on a variety of
floats, especially large floats such as jug floats and a new type
of float termed a noodle float. These large floats are especially
useful for catching large catfish and can be used in any body of
water where fish are found, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and the
sea.
[0037] FIGS. 1A-C illustrate a jug float 100 with FIG. 1A being a
perspective view of the jug float and FIGS. 1B and 1C being front
and side views, respectively. The jug float 100 includes an upper
end 112, a middle section 105, a neck 110, and a bottom end 125.
The upper end 112 has a handle 115 which is secured on and extends
from the upper outer surface of the upper end 112. The handle 115
may be secured to the upper outer surface of the upper end 112 by
any conventional means known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
For example, the handle may be integrally formed with the upper
end, such as by injection or blow molding. The handle may span the
diameter of the upper end or a portion of the upper end, as
illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0038] The handle is intended to be used by an angler to grasp the
jug float especially if there is a fish attached to a fishing line
extending from the float. Therefore, the handle is configured such
that the angler can easily grasp and hold the float. If the angler
is trying to grasp the float when a fish is caught, the fish will
likely be moving the line and jug float to a sufficient extent that
the angler must have unobstructed access to the handle. For this
reason, the inventor has determined that there are significant
advantages to keeping any marker devices off of the handle or
avoiding having any marker device too close to the handle and
instead attaching the marker devices to the circumference of the
float, as described in greater detail below. Therefore, in one
implementation, the handle is free of any marker devices or other
fishing implements that could impede the ability of the angler to
grasp the handle.
[0039] The handle can be configured to be more readily visible to
an angler than if the handle was merely present solely for its
utility to grasp the float. To make the handle more visible, it can
have a reflective surface, such as by application of a reflective
tape or coating. This may be useful if the handle is the most
prominent feature noticeable when in use. In another
implementation, the handle can be made of a clear plastic material
and a chemiluminescent light stick inserted into an opening in the
handle. In another implementation, the handle can be made of a
phosphorescent material so that it glows in the dark.
[0040] The middle section 105 includes a band 135 which is
configured such that the inner circumferential surface of the band
135 overlies the outer circumferential surface of the middle
section 105. The band 135 may be secured at any point along the
length of the middle section 105 and may be removable from the
middle section 105 or permanently fixed to the middle section 105.
The band 135 may be formed of a variety of materials, including
plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride; elastomeric polymers, such as
rubber, nylon, urethane, polyurethane and mixtures thereof; and/or
phosphorescent or chemiluminescent materials which glow in the
dark. When the band 135 is removable from the middle section 105,
it may be re-secured to the middle section 105 using a variety of
methods, such as by using a locking mechanism to secure the band in
place or sliding the band up the length of float 100 and securing
the band in place by way of its elastic properties. The band also
may be in the form of an unclosed rigid plastic ring that may be
expanded slightly to fit over the middle section 105 and then
allowed to snap shut securely against the middle section. In these
implementations, the band 135 may have a reflective surface, or may
be imparted a reflective surface by applying on all or part of the
band a reflective tape or coating.
[0041] FIG. 1A illustrates the band 135 containing one or more
holding members or light stick holders 140 which extend along the
outer circumferential surface of the band 135. Each holding member
or holder has an opening to a channel configured to receive a
tubular shaped marker device. While FIG. 1A illustrates the
presence of two light stick holders 140, any number of light stick
holders may be incorporated to extend along the outer
circumferential surface of the band 135. Each light stick holder
140 is configured to hold a light stick 145, which may emit light
by any conventional means known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, such as by battery or chemical substance. The holder 140 may
also be used to hold any other tubular shaped marker device that is
used to help an angler locate the float.
[0042] The neck 110 is configured such that its upper
circumferential edge is mated with the lower circumferential edge
of the middle section 105 and the lower circumferential edge of the
neck is mated with the upper circumferential edge of a bottom end
125. The neck 110 has a substantially tapered surface such that the
upper circumferential edge is larger in circumference than the
lower circumferential edge. One or more of the top section, middle
section, neck and bottom end may be formed as a single piece, such
as by injection or blow molding.
[0043] The bottom end 125 is configured such that its
circumferential lower edge mates with the circumferential upper
edge of a closure 120. Preferably, the bottom end 125 has a
threaded portion to accommodate a removable screw cap-type closure
120. The bottom end may also be of sufficient length that a weight
can be placed around the end to alter the buoyancy of the float.
One or more fins 130 extend radially from the outer surface of the
neck 110 and contain one or more openings or holes 131 through
which any conventional fishing line may pass. Instead of or in
addition to the fins 130, the float can be provided with tubular
members mounted to the bottom end or neck. The tubular members have
a channel through which the fishing line passes.
[0044] The inside of neck 110 may also include a weight which
allows the jug float to sit upright in the water. Alternatively,
the neck 110 does not contain an additional weight and the float
can sit sideways in the water when in use.
[0045] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional side view of the jug float 100.
The top section contains a hollow portion 152. The middle section
105 contains hollow portions 150 and 151, and the neck contains a
hollow portion 149. The bottom end 125 contains a hollow portion
148. This figure illustrates that the inside cavity of the jug
float is a single hollow chamber that is accessed by removing the
closure 120. The closure 120 may be removed, water introduced into
the chamber, and the closure reapplied in order to alter the
buoyancy of the float. As shown in FIG. 1E, a fishing line secured
with bait 165 is threaded through the hole 131 of the jug float
100. In practice, an angler may attach bait to a plurality of jug
floats and wait for one or more of the jug floats to catch a fish,
which may be apparent by observing the bobbing or downward tugging
of the jug float in the water. The presence of the marker devices
used in conjunction with the jug float allows for greater
visibility of the jug floats in the water, thus helping the angler
keep track of the numerous jug floats that have been set or cast
out into the water. The angler may remove the jug floats by
grasping the handle 115, thereby retrieving the fish which is
attached to the baited fishing line. The unique placement of marker
devices along the band 135 as opposed to the handle or upper end
allows for unencumbered grasp of the jug float by the angler. In
another embodiment, the jug float 100 may be secured to a fishing
rod 161 through a fishing line 160. In practice, an angler may
secure the fishing line to the jug float 100 by looping it through
the hole 131 of the jug float several times or forming a knot, and
allowing additional length of fishing line to attach bait such that
one end of the fishing line is secured to the fishing rod and the
other end of the same fishing line is baited and in the water. Once
a fish is caught, the angler is then able to reel the jug float and
fish to the boat in any conventional manner as is known in the art.
The angler may alternatively attach a fishing line from the fishing
rod to the jug float by passing the line through the hole 131 and
securing it there, while using a separate fishing line to attach
the bait to the jug float using the same or a different hole of the
jug float, as is shown in FIG. 1E.
[0046] The jug float 100 may have dimensions which are suited for
catching large catfish. For example, the jug float may have a
height of from about 8 inches to about 24 inches as measured from
the bottom surface of the closure 120 to the top surface of handle
115. The upper end and middle section may have a cross sectional
diameter of from about 4 inches to about 12 inches. The upper
circumferential edge of the neck 110 may have a cross sectional
diameter of about 4 inches to about 12 inches, and the lower
circumferential edge of the neck 110 may have a cross sectional
diameter of from about 1 inch to about 10 inches.
[0047] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
invention, termed a noodle float 200. The noodle float is generally
a foam tube with one or more marker devices such as light sticks,
flags, viz sticks, reflective surface, and/or chemiluminescent and
phosphorescent materials which can be cast or placed in the water
by an angler and be easily visible to the angler during the night
or day. The noodle float can be used in both night and day fishing
and is of sufficient size so as to be used when fishing for larger
fish, in particular large catfish. The noodle float is designed
such that it sits on its side along its longitudinal plane while in
the water and once a fish has been caught, the orientation of the
noodle float will become upright, thus alerting the angler that a
fish has been caught. The one or more marker devices are also
useful in alerting the angler that a fish has been caught.
[0048] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate the noodle float 200 with FIG. 2A
being a perspective view, FIG. 2B being a front view, and FIG. 2C
being a side view. The noodle float 200 includes a top section 230
and a tube section 205.
[0049] The top section 230 is configured such that its lower
circumferential edge mates with the upper circumferential edge of
the tube section 205. The top section 230 may be removable from
tube section 205, or may be permanently fixed to tube section 205.
The top section 230 may either contain an upper surface which
substantially covers the top surface of tube section 205, or top
section 230 may be void or partially void of an upper surface which
renders the top surface of the tube section 205 completely or
partially uncovered. When the top section 230 contains an upper
surface which covers the top surface of tube section 205, the upper
surface of top section 230 may have a slit 231 out of which a
handle 210 can extend.
[0050] The top section 230 may be formed of a variety of materials
or mixtures of materials, including plastics, such as polyvinyl
chloride; elastomeric polymers, such as rubber, nylon, urethane,
polyurethane and mixtures thereof; and/or phosphorescent or
chemiluminescent materials which glow in the dark. When the top
section is removable from the tube section, it may be re-secured to
the tube section 205 using a variety of methods, such as by using a
locking mechanism to secure the top section in place or sliding the
top section on the upper surface of the tube, securing the top
section in place by way of its elastic properties. The top section
preferably has a reflective surface, or may be imparted a
reflective surface by applying on all or part of the top section a
reflective tape or coating 225.
[0051] The top section 230 can also be in the form of a band which
may be secured at any point along the length of the tube section
205 and may be removable from the tube section 205 or permanently
fixed to the tube section 205. When top section 230 is in the form
of a band, it may contain one or more holding members or light
stick holders 235, as is described below. Each holding member has
an opening to a channel configured to receive a tubular shaped
marker device.
[0052] FIG. 2A illustrates the top section 230 containing one or
more light stick holders 235 which extend along the outer
circumferential surface of the top section 230. While FIG. 2A
illustrates the presence of two light stick holders 235, any number
of light stick holders may be incorporated to extend along the
outer circumferential surface of the top section 230. Each light
stick holder 235 is configured to hold a light stick 220, which may
emit light by any conventional means known in the art, such as by
battery or chemical substance. The light stick holders may be
oriented such that the light stick which sits within the holder is
parallel with the axial plane of the tube section 205. In another
embodiment, the light stick holders 235 may be configured such that
the light stick which sits within the holders point in a direction
perpendicular to the axial plane of the tube section 205, such that
if the float is left turned on its side in the water as opposed to
upright, one or more light sticks are perpendicular to the water
surface pointing upwards.
[0053] In another embodiment, the light stick holders may be
oriented at an angle between collinear with the longitudinal axis
and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. If the float is resting
on its side or upright in the water, a light stick will be oriented
generally upward. It three light stick holders are positioned
equidistant around the circumference of the float, at least one
float will always be positioned upright out of the water if the
float is positioned on its side in the water.
[0054] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the handle comprises
a rod portion 240, a grasping portion 211, and a baiting portion
215. The handle may span the diameter of the top section or a
portion of the top section, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The handle
is intended to be used by an angler to grasp the noodle float
especially if there is a fish attached to a fishing line extending
from the float. Therefore, the handle is configured such that the
angler can easily grasp and hold the float. If the angler is trying
to grasp the float when a fish is caught, the fish will likely be
moving the line and noodle float to a sufficient extent that the
angler must have unobstructed access to the handle. For this
reason, the inventor has determined that there are significant
advantages to keeping any marker devices off of the handle or away
from the handle and instead attaching the marker devices to the
circumference of the float, as described in greater detail herein.
The handle may also be used for attaching a fishing line connected
to a fishing rod, such that when a fish is caught, the angler can
reel in the noodle float and fish together as known in the art. For
example, the angler may use a heavy duty line which is tied to the
handle on one end and secured to a fishing rod on the other
end.
[0055] The handle is preferably made of a strong, rigid material
including metals, such as stainless steel and aluminum, and/or
plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polypropylene, etc.
The handle is positioned within the tube section 205 such that the
rod portion 240 extends axially through a channel 241 passing
through the tube, the channel also extending axially through the
length of the tube. The handle 210 is secured to the tube section
205 such that the baiting portion 215 is sufficiently large as to
limit the axial movement of the handle within the channel 241 of
the tube section. The baiting portion 215 preferably employs a ring
or other mechanism by which a fishing line can be attached and bait
can thereby be secured to the hook at the end of the fishing line
such that the noodle float can be used in catching fish.
[0056] While the tube section 205 is preferably made of a buoyant
foam material, such as polyurethane foam or closed cell
polyurethane foam, the tube section alternatively may be made of
any lightweight material which is able to float on the surface of
water, such as a hollow plastic material, balsa wood, and the like.
For example, the float can be made of a hollow plastic tube or a
Styrofoam material. The weight of the material implemented in
forming the tube section 205 should be light enough such that it
does not drastically add weight to the load when an angler is
reeling in a caught fish and float. The buoyancy of the material or
float should also be sufficient such that a large fish is unable to
completely submerge the float into the water for an extended period
of time, thus rendering the float not visible to the angler. The
tube section may be hollow or solid. In one embodiment, the tube
section has a reflective surface, or may be imparted a reflective
surface by applying on all or part of the tube a reflective tape or
coating.
[0057] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-C, a weight 255 may
be used in conjunction with a noodle float 250. The weight 255
contains a channel extending along the length of the weight such
that the channel accommodates the rod portion 240 of the handle
210. The weight preferably sits between the lower surface of tube
section 205 and the baiting portion 215 of the handle 210. The use
of a weight in this embodiment allows the noodle float to sit
substantially upright in the water and provide increased visibility
of the float and its marker devices.
[0058] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A-B, a weight 275
may be used in conjunction with a noodle float 270. The weight 275
contains a channel extending along its length which accommodates
the rod portion 240 and sits within an enlarged channel portion 242
of the float. The enlarged channel portion 242 is preferably
present completely inside of the tube section 205 and can be of any
size which allows for the weight 275 to be retained therein. The
enlarged channel portion 242 may be located at any point along the
axis of tube section 205, but is preferably located at the base of
the tube as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, a fishing line 160 secured with bait 165
is threaded through the ring of the baiting portion 215 of the
noodle float 200. In practice, an angler may attach bait to a
plurality of noodle floats and wait for one or more of the noodle
floats to catch a fish, which is apparent by a change in the
orientation of the noodle float from lying sideways on its
longitudinal plane to an upright orientation such that the noodle
float "pops up" out of the water. Alternatively, the observation of
bobbing, downward tugging, or movement of the noodle float may
indicate the fish is swimming in a particular direction in the
water. The presence of the marker devices used in conjunction with
the noodle float allow for greater visibility of the noodle floats
in the water, thus helping the angler to keep track of the numerous
noodle floats that have been cast or set out into the water. The
angler may remove the noodle floats by grasping the handle 210 and
winding the fishing line around the tube portion until the fish
attached to the other end of the baited fishing line is retrieved.
The unique placement of marker devices along the top section 205 as
opposed to the handle allows for the unencumbered grasp of the
noodle float by the angler.
[0060] In another embodiment, the noodle float 250 may be secured
to a fishing rod 161 through a fishing line 160. The fishing line
160 may be attached to either the baiting portion 215 of the noodle
float, or the grasping portion 211 of the handle 210. In practice,
an angler may secure the fishing line to the noodle float 250 by
either passing it through the ring of baiting portion 215 several
times or knotting it to the ring. The angler would allow an
additional length of fishing line to attach bait such that one end
of the fishing line is secured to the fishing rod and the other end
of the same fishing line is baited and in the water. Once a fish is
caught, the angler is then able to reel the noodle float and fish
to the boat. The angler may alternatively attach a fishing line
from the fishing rod to the noodle float by passing the line
through the ring of the baiting portion 215 or grasping portion 211
of handle 210 and securing it there, while using a separate fishing
line to attach the bait to the noodle float using the ring of the
baiting portion 215, as is shown in FIG. 5. After reeling in the
noodle float, the angler may wind the remaining fishing line around
the tube portion until the fish attached to the other end of the
baited fishing line is retrieved.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the holder members or light
stick holders 140 and 235 may alternatively be adapted to hold any
device which may aid in the visibility of the float 100 and 250,
respectively. These figures illustrate a flag 295, which is secured
to the light stick holders 140 and 235 using a rod 290. A light
stick or other marker device may be attached or mounted to the flag
along its length or at the top. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
the rod may include one or more light stick holders into which the
light sticks or markers are inserted.
[0062] In another implementation, the tube portion 205 of the
noodle float may form a variety of shapes along its transverse
cross-section, such as a circle (as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E), an oval,
a half-oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle and the like. The
tube portion 205 may also form a non-geometric shape along its
transverse cross-section. For example, the tube portion 205 may
form a half-oval along its transverse cross-section and the flag
may be positioned at any point along the curved outer surface of
the half oval, such that the flag is always visible above the
water, whether a fish is caught or has not yet been caught. For
example, when a fish has not yet been caught, the float will lie on
the water such that the flat surface of the tube is in contact with
the water and the curved surface is exposed to the outside air,
with the flag being oriented parallel to the water as well as the
longitudinal plane of the noodle float. When a fish has been
caught, the noodle float will "pop up" such that the tube and flag
become perpendicular to the water surface. This allows for an
angler to easily find the float in particular during day time
fishing when the use of a light stick does not aid in the
visibility of the float. The particular use of a half oval shape
for the tube portion 205 ensures that when the light stick holder
235 is secured at a point along the curved outer surface of the
half oval, that the flag will always be above the water surface and
therefore easily visible to the angler.
[0063] The marker devices employed in conjunction with the floats
are sufficiently long as to enable an angler to view the marker
device from a distance of from about 100 to about 500 feet or more.
For example, the flag may have a length of from about 0.5 to about
2 feet, as measured from the bottom to the top of the rod 290 or to
the top of the flag 295. The light sticks may have a length of from
about 1 to about 6 inches or more. The tube portion of the noodle
float may be of any length which is sufficient to enable an angler
to easily view the float from a long distance. For example, the
length of the tube portion may be from about 9 to about 36 inches.
While several particular forms of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various
modifications and combinations of the invention detailed in the
text and drawings can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, references to materials of
construction, methods of construction, specific dimensions, shapes,
utilities or applications are also not intended to be limiting in
any manner and other materials and dimensions could be substituted
and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited,
except as by the appended claims
* * * * *